Obituary of John Joseph Cleary

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of John Joseph (Jack) Cleary, in London on Saturday, April 20th, 2019 in his 93rd year. Jack will be profoundly missed by his best friend and beloved wife of almost 69 years, Marie (nee Evans). He was the proud and loving father of Karen (Andrew) Waller of Ancaster and Kevin (Patricia) of London and loving Poppa of Alexandra and Brad Waller and Derek Cleary. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, sister-in-law Marion Cleary and many cherished friends. Born in Seaforth, Ontario on May 27th, 1926, Jack is predeceased by parents Minnie and Bill Cleary and by brothers Jim (Jessie), Pat and Billy (Hazel). After graduating from the Canadian School of Embalming in 1949, Jack worked in the funeral business in Southwestern Ontario until he established his own company in London in 1973. Prior to London, the family lived in Toronto. He was widely known and highly regarded within the trade in Canada even after his retirement in 1991. Jack served in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II and is a member of the Canadian Legion, Branch 156, Seaforth. A devout parishioner at Holy Family Parish in London, Jack was an usher for many years. He is a past member of Sunningdale Golf and Country Club and enjoyed travelling and his various card groups. Jack loved to travel the world and shared this passion with his family. Together, he and Marie spent many winters in Arizona. He actively pursued volunteer work, particularly at University Hospital for more than 20 years and with his therapy dog Quincy at Parkwood Hospital. For that service, Jack and Quincy received the Governor General’s Award for outstanding community service. Visitation will be held at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Tuesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at HOLY FAMILY PARISH, 777 Valetta Street, London, on Wednesday, April 24th, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. James Cemetery, Seaforth. Thank you especially to Dr. Mahmoud and RN Michelle at University Hospital, for providing such exceptional care and comfort and to Margaret Rowland for her love and support at this time for Marie. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the charity of your choice would be appreciated. “...the time of my departure has come, I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith...” (2 Timothy:4 6-7)